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OPINION

Opinion: Keep Bernie’s revolution alive in Vt.

David Zuckerman
Published 12:09 a.m. ET Aug. 6, 2016

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Sen. David Zuckerman, P/D-Chittenden, speaks in December with audience members at the Vermont Comedy Club in Burlington on Thursday night before announcing his candidacy for lieutenant governor.(Photo: KEVIN HURLEY/for the FREE PRESS)

Like Bernie Sanders, I entered politics because I believe strongly in the principle that hard work should provide for your basic needs. For too many, this is not reality.

Challenging social and economic inequality motivated me to volunteer for Bernie’s 1992 Congressional campaign. Bernie taught me that change happens when people are involved, and democracy works best when individuals are fully engaged in the process.

This lesson has guided me during my 18 years of service in Montpelier. I’ve worked to engage Vermonters, amplify their voices and unite us to fight for progress on issues including raising the minimum wage, marriage equality, GMO labeling, affordable housing and more.

Bernie’s political revolution is about people standing up for our values and demanding real, not incremental, change. Bernie’s revolution asks us to say what we believe and work hard to make that vision a reality. He has demonstrated that bold leadership is required in order to engage in dialogue on issues and give people real proposals to rally around and work toward voting the right way once an issue has become popular is not enough.

Now is the time to capitalize on Bernie’s momentum and demand change here in Vermont. Bernie has drawn national attention to issues such as the rising cost of higher education, the climate change crisis, stagnating wages and the need to reform our health care system. The issue of affordability is not just about the minimum wage, which I’ve fought to raise, but also about affordable housing, childcare and health care.

Our planet and our state are facing imminent danger from climate change. Our maple syrup and ski industries, and the tourism that depends on those economic sectors, are facing serious threats. Our farmers are trying to adapt to stronger rains, and longer wet and dry spells. And last winter was hard on our loggers, as the ground barely froze in many areas.

We must aggressively pursue renewable energy options and dramatically reduce our use of fossil fuels while insuring that low-income Vermonters are not penalized economically in the process. Bernie pushed for long-term sustainable solutions and we must continue that fight in our state. Protecting our planet for future generations has to be a priority and I know that together, we can develop innovative solutions to expand our economy, reduce energy consumption and speed the transition to renewable energy.

As for expanding Vermont’s economy, state government can buy locally, and contract with Vermont workers and Vermont owned companies. A state bank would stop the yearly flow of a million Vermont dollars to Wall Street banks. We can find better uses for that money right here at home.

We must work toward a “Medicare for all” system in order to gain control over the skyrocketing cost of health care, simplify systems and end dysfunctional websites. The potential savings to our state, town and school budgets, and the economic advantages that companies would enjoy by locating here would among the many benefits.

Vermont’s traditions of valuing community, helping our neighbors and giving everyone a voice in respectful debate are what make it unique and such a wonderful place to live. This is why I am determined to preserve our state’s rural economy, rich agricultural heritage and keep our natural environment viable for Vermonters of future generations. I invite you to join me in keeping Bernie’s political revolution alive here in Vermont. Your vote for me in the Democratic primary on Aug. 9 will help this happen. Thank you for your consideration.

David Zuckerman, of Hinesburg, is a state senator for Chittenden County and a Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor.